Shipyard development has power source

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Power from the San Francisco-owned Hetch Hetchy system is providing electricity for the redevelopment of the shuttered Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.

Eventually the hydroelectric power, which is generated from the Hetch Hetchy dam in Yosemite, will power the new homes and offices in the area.

Public power cables, conduits, vaults and substructures will be installed for the residential renaissance and generate about 3.4 megawatts of power — enough for up to 1,600 homes. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission provides power for municipal services such as public health, police and fire departments through Pacific Gas & Electric-owned lines, but this is the first time it is delivering to private property and through a city-owned grid.

“We are in the process of establishing our rates now,” said commission senior power official Barbara Hale. “I expect we’ll have a comparable rate initially, and over time stay below PG&E’s.”

Before the electricity flows to the new buildings, however, it is being used to power the building under way at the former naval site.

The SFPUC is also negotiating whether it will provide power for Treasure Island after it is redeveloped, and other major city projects such as the new Transbay Transit Center.